Someone recently wrote me asking what it was like having my own photography business. She is starting out and wants to know the reality of it. Running this business is a lot more work than people think. Here’s a little peek into what goes on behind-the-scenes, these are just some of my job duties…
-customer service – responding to all emails and phone calls
-booking and scheduling shoots
-processing contracts and paperwork
-coordinating the shoot
-executing the shoot in a creative and artistic way (even when lighting is very challenging)
-downloading and sorting of images
-picking favorites for clients image gallery
-narrowing down favorites even further for blog post
-editing of all images
-uploading images to gallery
-corresponding to client about gallery and how to order
-ordering prints for client
-burning disc of images (includes making a pretty label for disc)
-mailing disc to client (packaging it in an attractive manner)
-creating and posting a blog post of favorite images
-designing of album in Photoshop
-ordering of album
-packaging album appropriately and shipping of album
-archiving files
-responding and posting via social media sites
-updating and maintaining websites
-keeping software and equipment updated and clean
-maintaining financial records for accounting & taxes
… And I’m sure there is more. So many people starting out think that owning and operating a photography business is cake. The photography part of it is definitely fun!! But you also have to be very organized and detail oriented to do the business part. I do everything myself which is rewarding but also stressful at times. If you are starting out, I hope you find this post helpful.
Overall, I love my job and wouldn’t trade it for the world!!
A lot of you know that in the last two years I’ve lost five family members. My life has changed dramatically as you can imagine. I’ve re-prioritized my life and I’m so much happier now! I found spirituality again. I live life with Joy. I’ve made several loving, supportive new friends. My family is stronger than ever. I’m loving motherhood and being a wife. My business is thriving and my clients are amazing. As oddly as it sounds, life couldn’t be better! I do believe these tragic and devastating things happen in life to make us change and grow, and this is how my SoulFoto line developed…
My husband and I had a great get away for Valentine’s Day! Over the weekend we went to McMenamins Grand Lodge in Forest Grove – they have great food, a really neat whimsical atmosphere, a movie theater, spa, and a soaking pool as well as live music! It was a great escape!! Be sure to check it out if you have never been there, click
